“The making of a good compilation is a very subtle art. Many do’s and don’ts. First of all, you’re using someone else’s poetry to express how you feel. This is a delicate thing.”
High Fidelity’s Rob Gordon has got it figured out. That quote has been ringing in my head for a couple of days. My editor may argue that I have been putting way much weight on this task and that there are a million pop songs out there best for this kind of experience. That is accurate, but one should discern that this is no ordinary travel playlist for me. This is about a place that I love.
It is best to travel to Bicol at night to avoid the usual cramming of vehicles on EDSA and Lucena. I look at it differently though. It is to let our eyes witness in wonder how those endless billboard lights in the Manila skyline gives way to lushes of green and throbbing stars.
Deciding to use Filipino music to limit the choices and to promote the emerging boom of our musi scene, here are the songs that can go with that revelation
1. Ransom Collective – Settled
Upon arriving at the Araneta Bus Port, you will feel it. The sweet tingle of adventure. You have heard good things about Naga and you can’t wait to settle in.
Comfortable in your seat, you’ll realize that you may love the busy spirit of the metro but you deserve a breather. This classic party scorcher suddenly makes sense.
3. Rusty Machines – Forget You
Wheels will turn to the main road and you’ll see the impatient glances of commuters by the street. A whiff of black smoke floats around and you will see street children loitering for a quick change. You know what you are not going to miss here.
4. Taken by Cars – Nomads
The tollgates somehow represent a different opening, a different side of you. You can now imagine yourself ordering breakfast at Bigg’s or maybe a hot bowl of Kinalas. A happy nomad you will be.
5. Ourselves the Elves – Longing For
At this time, your eyelids will start to droop. It has been a long week and you know you still have a long road to go. You know what you long for, but for now, rest.
7. Pedicab – What’s Your Algorithm?
You’ll suddenly feel the uncomfortable swaying of the bus. Don’t be alarmed. It is the curse of the Bitukang Manok. This song will accompany your sudden confusion.
8. Basement Lung – Tanong
Every stopover deserves either a bowl of goto or a cup of hot choco. It is very possible you’ll ask the manong/manang in charge where you are or how many kilometers to go. This Candelaria band’s noise pop anthem is the perfect company for your curiosity.
9. The Camerawalls – The Sight of Love
You’ll see the welcome sign. After a few more winks, you’ll notice that the sight of green fields is getting more frequent. You’ll see mini trucks bringing in fresh veggies for the local market to sell. You’ll find yourself struggling to sleep again. This is Manila no more. You know it won’t be long.
10. Ang Bandang Shirley – Nakauwi Na
There will be an urge to stay. The magic of Naga lies on that secret invitation on the air. It has the pulse of a progressive city and the charm of a humble town. What’s not to love?
11. We Are Imaginary – Ask Me to Stay
There will be an urge to stay. The magic of Naga lies on that secret invitation on the air. It has the pulse of a progressive city and the charm of a humble town. What’s not to love?
12. Ian Penn – Head Back Home
And reality will sadly pull you back in. You can’t be a tourist forever, you see. But Bicol, she is a patient mistress. She will wait for your next visit.
